HISTORY OF RELIGIONS

Scope & Guideline

Bridging Eras with Scholarly Insight on Religions

Introduction

Immerse yourself in the scholarly insights of HISTORY OF RELIGIONS with our comprehensive guidelines detailing its aims and scope. This page is your resource for understanding the journal's thematic priorities. Stay abreast of trending topics currently drawing significant attention and explore declining topics for a full picture of evolving interests. Our selection of highly cited topics and recent high-impact papers is curated within these guidelines to enhance your research impact.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN0018-2710
PublisherUNIV CHICAGO PRESS
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited States
TypeJournal
Converge1966, 1979, 1982, from 1996 to 2024
AbbreviationHIST RELIGIONS / Hist. Relig.
Frequency4 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address1427 E 60TH ST, CHICAGO, IL 60637-2954

Aims and Scopes

The journal 'History of Religions' aims to explore the multifaceted dimensions of religious practices, beliefs, and histories across various cultures and time periods. It seeks to provide a platform for innovative scholarship that engages with the complexities of religion in historical contexts.
  1. Interdisciplinary Approaches to Religious Studies:
    The journal emphasizes interdisciplinary methodologies, integrating insights from history, anthropology, sociology, and cultural studies to enrich the understanding of religious phenomena.
  2. Focus on Non-Western Religions:
    There is a consistent focus on the study of non-Western religions, particularly Buddhism, Hinduism, and indigenous belief systems, highlighting their unique historical narratives and contemporary relevance.
  3. Exploration of Rituals and Practices:
    The journal frequently publishes studies that investigate the role of rituals in shaping religious identities and communities, offering insights into their performative aspects and cultural significance.
  4. Engagement with Contemporary Issues:
    The journal addresses contemporary themes such as secularism, pluralism, and the impact of media on religious practices, reflecting the dynamic interplay between tradition and modernity.
  5. Historical Contextualization of Religious Texts:
    A significant area of focus is the historical contextualization of religious texts and their interpretations, providing critical insights into how these texts have influenced religious thought and practice over time.
Recent publications in the 'History of Religions' journal indicate a shift towards exploring new and emerging themes that reflect contemporary societal concerns and the evolving landscape of religious studies.
  1. Intersections of Religion and Politics:
    There is a growing trend to investigate the relationship between religion and politics, particularly in understanding how religious movements respond to contemporary political challenges and social justice issues.
  2. Media and Religion:
    The impact of media on religious practice and identity is increasingly prominent, with studies examining how digital media, performance, and technology shape modern religious experiences.
  3. Gender and Religion:
    Research focusing on gender dynamics within religious traditions is on the rise, exploring how gender roles and identities are constructed and negotiated within various religious contexts.
  4. Religious Pluralism and Activism:
    The journal is seeing an increase in themes related to religious pluralism and activism, particularly in the context of LGBTQ+ rights and social movements, reflecting broader societal shifts towards inclusivity.
  5. Ritual Studies and Performance:
    There is an emerging interest in the study of rituals as performance, exploring how religious practices are enacted in contemporary settings and their significance in identity formation and community building.

Declining or Waning

While 'History of Religions' continues to thrive in many areas, certain themes have seen a decline in prominence over the recent years. This may reflect shifts in scholarly interest or broader changes in the field of religious studies.
  1. Classic Theological Debates:
    There appears to be a waning interest in traditional theological debates that dominated earlier scholarship. Recent publications focus more on historical and sociocultural aspects rather than purely doctrinal discussions.
  2. Western Religious Traditions:
    Studies centered on Western religious traditions, particularly Christianity, have become less frequent, possibly indicating a shift towards more global perspectives and the exploration of non-Western religions.
  3. Historical Biographies of Religious Figures:
    The focus on historical biographies of prominent religious figures has diminished, with fewer studies being published on individual lives and more emphasis placed on collective movements and practices.

Similar Journals

Journal of Africana Religions

Illuminating Diverse Religious Practices Across the Diaspora
Publisher: PENN STATE UNIV PRESSISSN: 2165-5405Frequency: 2 issues/year

Journal of Africana Religions, published by Penn State University Press, serves as a vital platform for scholarly discourse in the fields of Anthropology, Cultural Studies, and Religious Studies. This peer-reviewed journal, operating since 2017, provides a rigorous examination of the diverse religious traditions and practices within the African diaspora. With an H-index that reflects the journal’s growing impact, it currently holds a Q3 ranking in Anthropology and Q2 rankings in both Cultural Studies and Religious Studies, indicating its esteemed position in contemporary academia. Its inclusion in the Scopus rankings further reinforces its relevance, notably with a 75th percentile placement in Religious Studies. While not an open-access journal, the Journal of Africana Religions remains committed to presenting high-quality research that enriches understanding of Africana religious practices, engages with pressing cultural issues, and fosters interdisciplinary dialogue. This makes it an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students aiming to deepen their knowledge and contribute to ongoing discussions in these dynamic fields.

TEMENOS

Navigating the Rich Tapestry of Religious Thought
Publisher: FINNISH SOC STUDY RELIGIONISSN: 0497-1817Frequency: 2 issues/year

TEMENOS, a respected journal in the field of Religious Studies, is published by the Finnish Society for the Study of Religion and has been a pivotal platform for scholarly discourse since its inception. With an ISSN of 0497-1817 and a commendable ranking of #77 out of 644 in the Scopus Arts and Humanities category, TEMENOS stands out in the 88th percentile, demonstrating its academic rigor and impact. The journal, categorized in the Q2 quartile for 2023, focuses on the comparative study of religions, fostering an understanding of diverse belief systems, practices, and philosophical implications. Currently based in Finland, at the University of Turku's Department of Comparative Religion, TEMENOS offers a platform for innovative research and critical analysis, making it an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students eager to delve into the complexities of religion in modern society. Although it is not an open-access publication, the journal's rich content and scholarly contributions are invaluable for those seeking to engage deeply with current developments in the field.

RELIGIOUS STUDIES

Exploring the Depths of Faith and Thought
Publisher: CAMBRIDGE UNIV PRESSISSN: 0034-4125Frequency: 4 issues/year

RELIGIOUS STUDIES, published by Cambridge University Press, is a prestigious journal dedicated to the exploration of diverse religious traditions and philosophical inquiries. With an ISSN of 0034-4125 and an E-ISSN of 1469-901X, this journal has established itself as a pivotal platform for scholarly dialogue since its inception in 1965, continuing its impactful contributions until 2024. The journal is ranked in the top quartile (Q1) in both Philosophy and Religious Studies, illustrating its significant standing within the academic community; it holds an impressive Scopus rank of #64 in Religious Studies and #180 in Philosophy, placing it in the 90th and 77th percentiles respectively. Though not open access, RELIGIOUS STUDIES offers critical insights and original research that address contemporary issues in spirituality, ethics, and interreligious dialogue, making it an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students alike seeking to deepen their understanding of the complex interplay between religion and society.

Religions

Fostering Inclusive Dialogue on Global Spirituality
Publisher: MDPIISSN: Frequency: 12 issues/year

Religions, published by MDPI, stands as a premier open-access journal in the field of religious studies, having been established in 2010. With its E-ISSN 2077-1444, this journal is dedicated to advancing scholarly dialogue and research on a broad spectrum of religious phenomena, examined through interdisciplinary lenses that encompass historical, sociocultural, and philosophical perspectives. Based in Switzerland at ST ALBAN-ANLAGE 66, the journal has garnered a reputation for its rigorous academic standards, as evidenced by its 2023 Q1 ranking in Religious Studies and its impressive position within the top 90th percentile among its peers, ranking #59 out of 644 in the Scopus Arts and Humanities category. Access to cutting-edge research is made freely available to all readers, promoting inclusivity and collaboration in study pursuits. With a commitment to exploring the complexities of belief systems worldwide up to the year 2024, Religions is an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students seeking to deepen their understanding of the dynamics that shape religious experience and discourse.

RELIGION

Charting New Territories in Religious Studies
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 0048-721XFrequency: 4 issues/year

RELIGION, published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd, stands as a preeminent scholarly journal dedicated to the multifaceted study of religion across various disciplines. With an ISSN of 0048-721X and an E-ISSN of 1096-1151, this journal provides a rich platform for the exploration of religious phenomena, their historical contexts, and their sociopolitical implications. Since its inception in 1971, RELIGION has continually adapted to the evolving landscape of religious studies and maintains a prestigious Q1 ranking in History and Q2 in Sociology and Political Science, affirming its significance within these fields. Researchers and professionals will benefit from a robust selection of peer-reviewed articles that engage with contemporary issues, making significant contributions to both academic discourse and practical applications in society. While the journal is not open access, it continues to reach a wide audience, enhancing understanding in a diverse range of religious contexts and practices. This journal not only captures the pulse of current debates but also shapes the trajectory of future scholarship.

ZEITSCHRIFT FUR RELIGIONS-UND GEISTESGESCHICHTE

Investigating the Intersections of Culture, Faith, and Ideology
Publisher: BRILLISSN: 0044-3441Frequency: 4 issues/year

ZEITSCHRIFT FUR RELIGIONS-UND GEISTESGESCHICHTE is a prominent academic journal published by BRILL, focusing on the intricacies of religious and intellectual history. Since its inception in 1929, this journal has provided a key platform for scholarly discourse, offering insights into the historical evolution of religious beliefs and philosophical thought. Although it currently holds a Q4 ranking in the fields of History, Philosophy, and Religious Studies according to the 2023 category quartiles, it serves as an important resource for researchers and students alike who are engaged in these disciplines. With an ISSN of 0044-3441, the journal strives to foster academic dialogue and critical analysis, contributing to the understanding of how religious and philosophical ideologies shape human experience. The journal is based in Leiden, Netherlands, and while it does not currently offer open access, it supports the academic community by providing essential research articles that are invaluable for those exploring the intersections of faith, culture, and thought.

REVUE DE L HISTOIRE DES RELIGIONS

Fostering Scholarly Dialogue on Historical Religious Phenomena
Publisher: ARMAND COLINISSN: 0035-1423Frequency: 4 issues/year

REVUE DE L HISTOIRE DES RELIGIONS, published by Armand Colin, is a distinguished French journal specializing in the field of Religious Studies. With the ISSN 0035-1423 and E-ISSN 2105-2573, it has been contributing to the academic discourse since its inception. Though it holds a Q4 category within its field, the journal serves as a critical platform for the exploration of historical aspects of various religions, fostering interdisciplinary dialogue among scholars. While access is not provided as an open-access publication, researchers benefit from its comprehensive analyses spanning from 1967, with coverage having originally converged in 1974 and continuously through 2021. With a Scopus rank of #382 out of 584, placing it in the 34th percentile in Arts and Humanities Religious Studies, this journal remains a valuable resource for in-depth historical insight into religious phenomena. It is an essential reading for anyone seeking to enhance their understanding of the complexities of religious history.

International Journal of Latin American Religions

Illuminating the Diverse Beliefs of Latin America
Publisher: SPRINGERNATUREISSN: 2509-9957Frequency: 2 issues/year

International Journal of Latin American Religions, published by SpringerNature, is a leading peer-reviewed journal dedicated to advancing the understanding of religious practices, beliefs, and developments across Latin America. Since its inception in 2017, the journal has established a prominent position in critical fields, earning distinguished Q1 and Q2 rankings in History, Religious Studies, and Anthropology, which reflects its commitment to high-quality scholarship and research influence. With a Scopus rank that places it within the top percentiles of its discipline, the journal offers an integrative platform for scholars and practitioners to explore the diverse tapestry of Latin American religions. The Open Access model promotes greater visibility and accessibility of research findings, fostering collaborations among a global audience. This journal plays a pivotal role in synthesizing academic discourse and fostering innovative research, making it an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students passionate about the intricate interplay of culture, history, and spirituality in Latin America.

Journal of Early Christian History

Navigating the Cultural Landscape of Early Faith
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 2222-582XFrequency: 3 issues/year

Journal of Early Christian History, published by ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD, is a leading academic journal dedicated to the exploration of the early Christian period, focusing on historical, religious, and cultural dynamics that shaped the faith and its followers. With an ISSN of 2222-582X and an E-ISSN of 2471-4054, this journal serves as a vital resource for researchers and scholars in the fields of History and Religious Studies, holding a solid Q2 ranking in both categories for 2023. Its diverse spectrum includes critical analyses, innovative methodologies, and interdisciplinary studies, contributing to a deeper understanding of early Christian traditions. Operating from 2-4 Park Square, Milton Park, Abingdon, OX14 4RN, Oxford, England, the journal encourages open dialogues and scholarly exchange, fostering a rich academic community. Enhance your research with cutting-edge insights, as the journal continues to uphold its commitment to excellence through rigorous peer-review and impactful disseminations in the realm of early Christian history.

JOURNAL OF CHURCH AND STATE

Fostering Critical Dialogue on Religion and Governance
Publisher: OXFORD UNIV PRESSISSN: 0021-969XFrequency: 4 issues/year

Journal of Church and State is a leading interdisciplinary journal dedicated to the exploration of the complex relationships between religion and government, published by Oxford University Press. With an ISSN of 0021-969X and an impressive E-ISSN of 2040-4867, this journal serves as an essential platform for scholars in the fields of History, Religious Studies, and Sociology and Political Science. Recognized for its scholarly contributions, it holds a prestigious Q1 ranking in both History and Religious Studies, positioning it among the top journals in these disciplines for 2023. The journal’s robust scope spans historical perspectives, contemporary debates, and critical analyses related to church-state interactions, making it indispensable for researchers, professionals, and students alike. With access options that reflect its academic integrity, the Journal of Church and State continues to enrich scholarly discourse and foster a deeper understanding of religious influences on governance and vice versa.